Red Spot Assassin Bug

Red Spot Assassin Bug

Geographical Range

Central Africa

Habitat

Forests, scrublands, grasslands, croplands

Scientific Name

Platymeris laevicollis

Conservation Status

Not listed by IUCN

The striking red-on-black coloration of these African bugs warns attackers that the insects pack a painful bite. Assassin bugs are such tenacious hunters that farmers use them for pest control on coconut plantations. They help control the crop-damaging rhinoceros beetle.